Lawyers representing groups challenging Illinois’ pension reform law asked for more time to file arguments this week. The request would have extended the deadline by a month.
The judge presiding over the case rejected that request on Thursday.
From the Associated Press:
The Illinois Supreme Court has rejected a request for an extra month to file arguments by lawyers contesting the law that overhauls a state pension program that is $111 billion in debt.
Attorneys for state employees, retired teachers and others who contest the constitutionality of the law said they needed until March 16.
But the court denied the motion Thursday because it had already agreed to fast track the appeal of a lower court’s ruling. The case is scheduled to be heard in March.
The judge also rejected a request from outside groups who wanted to file additional briefs. From Pantagraph:
A lawsuit seeking to overturn changes to the state’s employee pension systems remains on a fast track.
In a decision issued Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court denied a request from outside groups and individuals to file briefs in the case, saying the additional filings could put the court’s plan to hear the case during its March term in jeopardy.
Attorneys representing state retirees and employees who would be affected by the Legislature’s controversial 2013 pension overhaul supported the court’s decision.